O PROUD LEFT FOOT

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Who amongst us could forget the famous “Hokey Pokey” and it’s Shakespearean parody “O Proud Left Foot”? With magical approach Steve Murray has set this whimsical semi-sonnet in an engaging a cappella Madrigal setting for SATB choir.

LYRICS

O proud left foot, that ventures quick within
Then soon upon a backward journey lithe
Anon, once more the gesture, then begin:
Command sinistral pedestal to writhe.
Commence thou then the fervid Hokey-Poke,
A mad gyration, hips in wanton swirl.
To spin! A wilde release from Heaven’s yoke.
Blessed dervish! Surely canst go, girl.

The Hoke, the poke — banish now thy doubt
Verily, I say, ’tis what it’s all about.

poem by Jeff Brechlin
(the Bard revisited)